The singer's kid, Usher V, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year (14) and now his proud dad has opened up about what it's like to watch the boy inject himself with insulin daily.

Now an advocate for a cure for the disease, Usher tells People.com, "I have a greater deal of appreciation for the bravery that children his age have.

"A child that every day has to prick himself and has to be cautious of what he eats and also to carry this disorder around - that really is the type of bravery that we all aspire to have."

"There’s been some difficult moments," Usher adds. "I have a great deal of understanding of what people have to deal with. It’s personal."

The Yeah! singer plans to be a big part of National Diabetes Awareness Month in November (15), adding, "I want to be supportive not only as someone who’s vying for a cure, but also as a father who has a child who’s experienced a lot of highs and lows."